HOTSHOT Nathan Rempel will lead the Guildford Flames attack again next season after signing a new deal.

The Canadian forward arrived at Spectrum a year ago after earning a big reputation at Peterborough Phantoms.

And he went on to become just one of two players to pass the 40-goal mark – despite a head injury which kept him out for nearly a month.

Flames head coach Paul Dixon welcomed the fresh one-year contract, saying: “We’re pleased that he and his family enjoyed their first stay here and we’re very happy to get him back.”

But reflecting on 33-year-old Rempel’s opening campaign with the English Premier League outfit, Dixon admitted it was not all plain sailing.

He said: "After the season he had in Peterborough, there was a lot of expectation but none of any more significance than Nathan put on himself.

“The pressure of that perhaps meant settling in took a bit more time than he may have liked and when early-season goals were hard to come by we know he was frustrated.

“But after he got a handful of games under his belt things started to happen for him and he was a big part of our group.”

Dixon added: “Nathan has speed and a great shot but beyond his skills he is a player who can step up his game to new levels when the intensity moves up at crucial stages of the season.

“He showed that in the play-offs and was a key guy in helping us get to the final.”

In addition to turning out for Canada in 1999-2000, Rempel has also iced for Britain – skating at the 2007 World Championship and netting three goals in five tournament matches. He also appeared the Mont Blanc Euro Challenge in February 2008.